Iranian ambassador’s Hezbollah post sparks outrage in Austria

The Iranian ambassador to Austria, Abbas Bagherpour Ardekani, has ignited a political firestorm with a social media post that has drawn condemnation and calls for diplomatic response.

The post on X displayed the flag of Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia group listed as terrorist by the United States, was accompanied by the statement, "Hezbollah will be victorious."

His act has sparked outrage across Austria, as the display of Hezbollah symbols is explicitly banned in the country.

The timing of Ardekani’s post could not have been more incendiary, coming shortly after Hezbollah's intensified rocket and drone attacks on Israel. Hezbollah, recognized as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including Austria since May 2021, is notorious for its stance against Israel. The ambassador’s actions are seen as a direct violation of Austrian law.

Austrian politicians were swift in their response. Leaders from the Greens and the SPÖ expressed their fury and demanded immediate action from the foreign ministry. Green Party leader Sigrid Maurer called for the ambassador's recall, urging the ministry to "send a clear signal against terror." SPÖ deputy leader Eva-Maria Holzleitner echoed the sentiments, condemning the ambassador's disregard for Austrian law and the safety of Israel.

The Iranian embassy remained silent as the post stayed online for an extended period, further fueling the outcry. The Austrian ministry of foreign affairs eventually confirmed on August 27 that the ambassador had been summoned and was reminded of his obligation to adhere to the laws of the host country as stipulated by the Vienna Convention.

Complicating the situation is the potential clash between Austrian law and the ambassador’s diplomatic immunity, which could shield him from prosecution. Under Austrian law, Ardekani could face a fine of up to 10,000 euros or a one-month prison sentence for his post. Yet, diplomatic immunity might prevent such penalties, leaving Austria with limited recourse.

This incident is not an isolated case but rather part of a disturbing pattern of behavior by Iranian diplomats. Earlier, Ahmad Sadeghi, the Iranian ambassador to Australia, sparked outrage with an anti-Semitic post predicting the "destruction of Israel by 2027."

"It's extremely dangerous and disturbing to hear that sort of rhetoric, especially at a time when the Jewish community feels so vulnerable and threatened," Alex Ryvchin of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry told Iran International on Monday.

Ryvchin highlighted the Iranian government's long-standing strategy of dehumanizing Jews and inciting violence against them worldwide by labeling Jews and the state of Israel as a "cancer to be eradicated." He expressed grave concern over the Australian Government's "inadequate" response to this dangerous rhetoric, noting that Iran’s ambassador, despite his inflammatory statements, continues to operate freely in Canberra.